New Director of Veteran Affairs

By Kaitlyn Welch

Photo Editor

 

C rowder College has a new Director of Veteran’s affairs, Rick Wallace. Wallace served in the United States Army and Army Reserve from 1987 to 2016 and worked his way up to Sergeant First Class. He toured in Greece, South Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan.

He chose this position because “I have a background that is relatable for the students who come to me for VA benefits. I know the importance of the benefits offered and I want to help them get the education they need and deserve.”

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The VA department offers many different services, such as counseling VA education benefits, academics advising for veteran students, and processing information for the eligible students through the VA. As of right now, there are a total of 90 students who are using VA benefits across all of Crowder’s campuses. Wallace’s office is located in the Student Affairs office in Farber room F126.

While there isn’t an event planned to take place on campus this year for Veteran’s Day, the annual Joplin Veteran’s Day Parade was held on Friday, November 5.

Originally called “Armistice Day”, Veteran’s Day has taken place on two different dates. The original date, and also the one we know today, November 11, and then on October 25, 1971. The reason that the celebration took place on this date was because after the passing of The Uniform Holiday Bill which was signed on June 28, 1968, there was confusion on what day the holiday should be celebrated. The November date was put back into action in the year 1978.

While this day is commemorated for people to honor our veteran’s, we should be reminded to honor them every day, because without their bravery and sacrifice, we would not be the free country we are today.